Revamp Announcement

I'm going to try changing my blog habits to allow more time for writing. I think it may be more professional to rein in my tendency for TMI.

My plan is to post at least once a week with news about my writing. So, here we go!

I recently spoke with Tina Burns at Liquid Silver about the recently contracted story, Leap of Faith. They have information from me about the cover art. I should be seeing some cover art in the next couple of months. My editor will contact me soon regarding revisions, too. We're looking at a release near the end of the year. :)

Weekly Wrap-Up #8: Ice Cream

In this last week did you eat any ice cream? Yes.

What flavor? I had some coffee, caramel macchiato, and mocha almond fudge. Yeah, it was on sale at the market.

Where's your favorite place to go for ice cream? Oh...Italy. LMAO. Really. I love gelato.

Do you own an ice cream maker? No.

Would you like to? I have mixed feelings. I would adore being able to make my own, but I don't have much room for another appliance, and I'd probably get really fat.

Your turn:

In this last week did you eat any ice cream?
What flavor?
Where's your favorite place to go for ice cream?
Do you own an ice cream maker? Would you like to?

Thursday 3: Quirky But Good Movies

Thursday 13 is too much trouble. I only do 3.

This week I'm listing three movies that I liked but are a little "out there."

1. Martian Child - The romantic drama Martian Child stars John Cusack as a recently widowed science fiction writer who forms an unlikely family with a close friend (Amanda Peet) and a young boy he adopts that claims to be from Mars. The new couple ignores some sage parenting advice from the widower’s sister (Joan Cusack) and gets more than they bargained for when a series of strange occurrences lead them to believe that the child’s claim may be true.

I love John Cusack. While I didn't buy some of the events that occurred in the movie, it was poignant and funny, both things John seems to excel at.

2. Lars and the Real Girl - In this comedy, Lars Lindstrom is an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real - she's a sex doll Lars ordered off the Internet. But sex is not what Lars has in mind, but rather a deep, meaningful relationship. His sister-in-law is worried for him, his brother thinks he's nuts, but eventually the entire town goes along with his delusion in support of this sweet natured boy that they've always loved.

This was a very strange movie. I didn't like it at first, but like the character Lars, eventually I went along with it until I was invested in what happened to him. Nicely done.

3. Perfume - Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, born in the stench of eighteenth century Paris, is born with a superior olfactory sense. His work, however, takes a dark turn as he tries to preserve scents in the search for the ultimate perfume.

I read the book this movie was based on decades ago, but still remember it as being amazing. I also love Alan Rickman. The movie is definitely edgy and graphic, so be prepared.

Listen Hard!

If you have ever been burned by Spellcheck, watch this.

Who Asked Them?

Recently California had an election, intended to help solve the budget problem in our state. As usual, the airwaves were bombarded with ads. As usual, the ads ended with a litany of the organizations behind such and such position.

At one time, I paid attention to whom they listed. I respect firefighters, the police, nurses, teachers, and the PTA. I respect the professions and/or mission, to be more accurate. Their jobs are vital, important, difficult, and valued. At times, that respect colored my thoughts about whatever proposition they were endorsing. I would think, "If the firefighters think that Prop X is a good thing, then it must be."

However, I now think that is somewhat naive, like buying a certain brand of lipstick because the celebrity in the ad is beautiful.

I was a member of the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association. I don't recall ever being asked to give an opinion on what ballot measure I supported. Which makes me wonder, just how much the police, nurses, firefighters and parents and teachers really back this or that proposition.

Best Foods is Best

Ralphs brand mayonaise sucks. It's oily and sub-par. That is all.

Weekly Wrap-Up #7: Pets

This week's topic: pets

Are you a pet person? Sort of.
What was your first pet? I seem to remember a small green turtle with red streaks on its neck. I was a little mean to that turtle.
How old were you when you got it? Hm. School age. Second grade, I think.
Do you have any pets now? We have a dwarf hamster and a betta fish. I wish I could have a cat but my older son is allergic.

Your turn!

Are you a pet person?
What was your first pet?
How old were you when you got it?
Do you have any pets now?

Thursday 3: Paperwork

Thursday 13 is too many. I only do 3.

This week I'm listing three types of paperwork and the length of time you need to keep them, according to Real Simple magazine.

1. Credit card statements - 7 years

2. Paycheck stubs - 1 year, after that, just keep your W2

3. Tax returns - 7 years

Fast-paced, exceedingly funny erotic romance

It's official. I love Book Utopia Mom. Here's her review of Losing It (Eppie Award Finalist).

If you want some highlights:

I laughed more in the first 700 words of this novella, than I have at most full-length stories in a very long time.

I can’t emphasize enough how real the interactions in this novella felt. That’s the very root of why I loved the romance in this so very much.

Ms. Willoughby is the most exciting new author I’ve found so far this year. This was an exhilaratingly funny, wonderfully sexy romance. I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her work.

WOOT!

Summertiiiiiime!

Got plans for the summer? My one son is attending Show Choir Camp for two weeks. He auditioned and made it onto the intermediate boys and girls show choir at the high school, a group that sings and dances. My other son wants to take Health in summer school so he doesn't have to take it during the school year.

There are no immediate plans to travel anywhere. We have week-long trip to Honolulu planned for January, so funds will be needed for that.

Do you have summer excursions lined up?

Losing It Review

Oooh. Book Utopia Mom plans to post a review today of Losing It (published by Liquid Silver Books). As soon as it's up, I'll post a link. She said she liked it, so I can't wait.

(Hey, I just realized her acronym is BUM. LOL) BUM is notorious for being right up front about what she thinks. She's not afraid to talk about what didn't work for her, which I admire. Many reviewers are card-carrying members of the "If you can't say anything nice" club, which is all well and good, but if their purpose is to advise readers about which books to purchase and all they ever say is nice things, that would mean you should buy every single book they review.

Anyway, I didn't mean to go off on a rant, so I'll just go and check if the review is up yet.

Again.

LOL

Weekly Wrap-Up #6: Seasons

This week's wrap-up acknowledges the beginning of a new season...summer!

In the past week have you done anything to usher in or out a season? Nope. In LA we don't get too much of a season change.

Which of the four seasons is your favorite? Why? I like fall. It means the hot weather is going away soon! I like Thanksgiving, even though it's a hassle. And my birthday is in November. :D

What's your favorite seasoning? Oh, that's easy. Garlic salt. I use it all the time!

Your turn:
In the past week have you done anything to usher in or out a season?
Which of the four seasons is your favorite? Why?
What's your favorite seasoning?

Thursday 3: Green Goings-On

Thursday 13 is too much. I only do 3.

This week I finally FINALLY did some work in my garden. I haven't made it pretty for probably a year. I give the neighbors credit for dealing with the spartan look for so long. Here are three things I planted.

1. Geraniums (They're hardy. 'Nuff said.)

2. Rosemary (I make some killer roasted potatoes with rosemary.)

3. Lavender (I hear bees like this, and I like bees.)

Do you garden?

Tennis, Anyone?

It's been a while since I did Manly Thoughts. Forgive me if I'm rusty.

"Aaarrgggh! Who put Krazy Glue on my tennis racquet? And who stole my pants?"

Still Lost!

Happy Anniversary to my novella Losing It! The story of Charlotte and Ben was published by Liquid Silver books three years ago. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by. That story made it to the finals of the Eppies that year, but didn't win. I was still thrilled to have finaled, though.

So, to celebrate, I have a giveaway offer good for today only.

One of the main characters, Charlotte, loses her virginity. Was your cherry-losing experience a good one? Comment yea or nay, email me your email address, and I'll give you a free copy of Losing It.

Matchmaker Story

I haven't mentioned my other blog in a while. I post analyses of Woman's World stories there for those who want to publish very short romantic fiction with them. Click here to see this week's "lesson."